Foot Pedal Sonar and Trolling Motor Control to Reduce Deck Clutter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional marine sonar and trolling motor systems require multiple control devices and cabling, leading to clutter and reduced safety on watercraft due to limited deck space, complicating operations and user interaction.
Innovation Solution
A single navigation control device is used to electronically control both the trolling motor and sonar systems, incorporating a user input assembly that detects activity to generate electrical signals for steering and directional actuators, reducing equipment needed and simplifying operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple separate control devices are used for trolling motor and sonar systems, then each system can be controlled independently, but the deck space becomes cluttered and safety is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate control devices for the trolling motor and sonar system into a single integrated control device. The controller receives user inputs and generates control signals for both the trolling motor assembly and sonar assembly, eliminating the need for multiple separate control devices and reducing deck clutter while maintaining independent control capability for each system
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both trolling motor control and sonar system control through a single interface. The controller can selectively generate control signals for different systems based on user input, allowing one device to serve multiple purposes and reduce the overall equipment count on the watercraft
2Reliability
If multiple control devices and cabling are used, then each system has dedicated control, but the equipment clutter reduces safety on the watercraft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control devices and their associated cabling into a single integrated control device with a unified controller. This consolidation reduces the number of cables and components on the watercraft deck, minimizing clutter-related safety hazards while the controller maintains reliable dedicated control pathways to each system through selective signal generation
3Area of stationary object
If a single control device is used for both systems, then deck clutter is reduced and safety is enhanced, but the control device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device achieves multi-functionality by incorporating a controller capable of receiving user inputs and selectively generating control signals for either the trolling motor assembly or sonar assembly. This universal design allows a single device to replace multiple specialized devices, reducing deck space requirements while managing complexity through integrated control logic that handles different system functions through a unified interface
Data Source
AI summary
Example steering control systems for multiple devices are provided herein. A system includes a trolling motor assembly having a propulsion motor and a steering actuator and a sonar assembly comprising a transducer assembly and a directional actuator. The system further includes a user input assembly that is configured to detect user activity related to controlling operation of the trolling motor assembly and operation of the sonar assembly. The system further includes a processor that is configured to determine a direction of turn based on user activity, generate an electrical turning input signal indicating the direction of turn, and direct one of the steering actuator and the directional actuator, via the turning input signal, to rotate one of the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly, respectively, in a direction of turn based on the turning input signal.